deorcnes
The Old English word for darkness is deorcnes.
deorcnes is used to describe the state of being dark.
Meaning: state of being dark (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This word is composed of the adjective deorc, meaning dark and the abstract noun-forming suffix -nes.
Did you know?
- The adjective deorc is a cognate of the German word dunkel, showing how Old English shared a common Germanic root for 'dark' before it evolved into the modern English form.
- While 'darkness' today is often a literal term, an Anglo-Saxon speaker might use deorcnes to imply a sense of spiritual or moral obscurity.
- The word deorc could describe both a physical lack of light and a person's complexion or a state of being 'gloomy' in temperament.
Examples in context
- Seo deorcnes is strang.The darkness is strong.
- Ic eom on deorcnesse.I am in darkness.
Example conversation
Two people are walking home at twilight.
- MildrythGodric, hēr is micel deorcnes.Godric, there is great darkness here.
- GodricIċ ne geseo þone weg.I do not see the way.
- MildrythBring þæt lēoht hider.Bring the light here.
- GodricNū we gāþ hām.Now we go home.
